Switch for multi-function control of a thermostat

ABSTRACT

The invention provides for a controller such as a thermostat for an HVAC system having a housing having a circuit board and a display screen, the display screen having at least one alpha-numeric icon and a group of touch pads having at least two displayable touch pads. A microprocessor provided for controlling the display screen. A sole mechanical button or switch is mounted in the housing and the button has a first end and second end and a touch surface extending between the first end and second end. The sole mechanical button signals the microprocessor in order to adjust the alpha-numeric icon(s), so that the combination of inputs received by the microprocessor from the group of touch pads and sole mechanical button provide for each and every adjustment required for all of the operational functions of the controller. The mechanical button may be a rocker switch. The controller may also include a navigation button.

This application is a continuation of and claims priority fromnon-provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/982,959 filed Dec.31, 2010.

The present invention pertains to a switch for a multi-function controland in particular a rocker switch used for a thermostat in order tocontrol multiple functions of a HVAC system and controlled by thethermostat.

BACKGROUND

Thermostats typically have multiple functions that require user input,such as setting time of day, day of week, programming temperature setpoints or programming user settings.

Control panels typically include an assortment of buttons for operatingthe thermostat and adjusting the settings. Adjustment of the settingsusing the assortment of buttons can often times be confusing to the userand require detailed review of user manuals and instruction guides inorder to properly operate the thermostat and adjust the settings to theuser's liking.

In some cases a liquid crystal display (LCD) may he provided thatincludes touch pads populated on the display screen. The touch pad mayinclude numerals, word phrases or graphics (collectively, “icons”) thatappear on the display screen. By touching the appropriate icon, the usercan make adjustments to the functioning of the thermostat and activatespecific modes of operation or make setting adjustments. Some displayscreens include so many icons that is difficult for the user to find theappropriate icon. Also when multiple icons are displayed on a screen sothat the maximum number of functions may be identified via the icons onthe single screen, the size of each individual icon may tend be small.Due to the small size of the icon buttons displayed on the screen andthe over-population of the display screen with multiple icon buttons, itcan be very difficult for a user to operate such a thermostat.

Some thermostats are known to have mechanical buttons or switches (“hardbuttons”). Such hard buttons are commonly used in combination with touchpads (“soft buttons”) on a LCD. For example, thermostats are known thathave an “UP” button pad and a “DOWN” button pad disposed within twoapertures formed in the face of a housing, and being the only hardbuttons provided by the thermostat. Such buttons have a flexible arminterconnecting each of the buttons. The arm is mounted behind thehousing and cannot be touched or viewed by a user when the thermostathousing is assembled. The flexible arm provides for movement of the twobutton pads. Some thermostats have multiple hard buttons on differentportions of the thermostat housing. The use of the hard buttons can beconfusing to a user when there are multiple buttons populating thethermostat housing. Further, when the thermostat includes multiple hardbuttons and multiple touch pads on a display screen the interaction andcombination of usage of such hard buttons and soft buttons can beconfusing to a user. In such cases the proper combination of when to usethe hard button in combination with the soft button and the propercoordination and sequencing of the use of the hard and soft buttons canraise the level of complexity for a user beyond that which iscomprehendible and such complexity may prevent the proper programming oroperation of the thermostat. The present invention overcomes many of theabove mentioned disadvantages of previously known thermostats.

SUMMARY

A thermostat is provided that includes a microprocessor for controllinga HVAC system using multiple modes of operation comprising a housing forenclosing a circuit board and encasing a display screen. A rocker switchis mounted in the housing adjacent to the display screen. The rockerswitch may include a bar having a first end and a second end, so thatthe bar may rock between a first position where the first end isdepressed and second position where the second end is depressed. Thethermostat further comprises a first receptor mounted on the circuitboard adjacent the first end and a second receptor mounted on thecircuit board adjacent the second end. The first and second receptorsmay signal the microprocessor in order to adjust a first and secondalpha-numeric icon represented on the display screen during at least afirst and second mode of operation of the thermostat. During the firstmode of operation moving the rocker switch to the first or secondposition will cause an adjustment of the first icon in relation to thefirst mode of operation. During the second mode of operation, moving therocker switch to the first or second position will cause an adjustmentof the first or second icon in relation to the second mode of operation.

In an embodiment, the first mode of operation comprises one of adjustingthe temperature setting, time of day setting, day of week setting,programming a set point time, installer setting configuration or usersetting. In an embodiment, the second mode of operation comprises one ofadjusting the temperature setting, time of day setting, clay of weeksetting, programming set point time, installer setting configuration oruser setting. In an embodiment, the first mode is different from thesecond mode. In an embodiment, the second mode of operation set point isadjusted by the first actuator contacting the first receptor.

In an embodiment, the display screen may include an icon representingone of a programming, configuration, system, fan, hold, day, time,clean, humidity, outdoor, installer or user modes. In an embodiment, therocker switch may select one of a residential, commercial, programming,system type, set point lower limit, set point upper limit, compressorbalance point, auxiliary heat balance point or service filter monitormodes. In an embodiment, the rocker switch may adjust one of a time,day, temperature, fan or humidity value.

In an embodiment, the first receptor may be a shorting finger on thecircuit board. In an embodiment, the first position may increment theset point of the first mode of operation. In an embodiment, the secondposition may decrement the set point of the first mode of operation.

In an embodiment, the housing may include a pocket and the rocker switchis mounted within the pocket so that the bar may be rocked therein. Inan embodiment, the pocket may include a first aperture and the firstactuator extends from the bar through the first aperture to the firstreceptor, the second actuator may extend from the bar through the firstaperture to the second aperture and the pivot member may extend from thebar through the first aperture to the circuit board.

In an embodiment, the display screen may include a first icon and upondepressing the first or second end of the bar, the first icon on thedisplay is adjusted in order to reflect adjustment of a set point. In anembodiment, the first icon may be a numeric and the adjustment bydepressing the bar either decrements or increments the numeric. In anembodiment, the first icon is a graphical display.

In an embodiment, the display screen may include a touch pad forselecting the first mode of operation and the second mode of operationand the rocker switch may adjust set points for the modes selected bythe touch pad. In an embodiment, the display screen may include a firsttouch pad for selecting the first mode of operation wherein the bar isdepressed to adjust a set point to a first value for the first mode ofoperation and a first icon on the display is adjusted to reflect thefirst value. A second touch pad may be provided by the display screenand at least one of the first touch pad or the second touch pad isactivated to select the second mode of operation wherein the bar isdepressed to adjust a set point to a second value for the second mode ofoperation and a second icon on the display is adjusted to reflect thesecond value. In an embodiment, the first and second icons are displayedsimultaneously on the display. In an embodiment, the first value isinterdependent on the second value. In an embodiment, continuouslydepressing on the bar will cause the first or second value tosequentially decrement or increment until the bar is released.

In an embodiment, multiple icons may displayed on the display screensimultaneously and upon activation of the touch pad the first icon ismodified to indicate that it is the icon being adjusted while the othericons remain unchanged. In an embodiment, following a flashing displayof the first icon and depression of the bar, the flashing is deactivatedand the first icon is adjusted to reflect the first value. In anembodiment, the first and second touch pads may be activatedsimultaneously in order to select the first mode of operation. In anembodiment, the first touch pad may allow for selection of both thefirst and second mode of operation. In an embodiment, the display screenmay be an LCD segmented screen.

While the foregoing provides a general explanation of the subjectinvention, a better understanding of the objects, advantages, features,properties and relationships of the subject invention will be obtainedfrom the following detailed description and accompanying drawings whichset forth an illustrative embodiment which is indicative of the variousways in which the principle of the subject invention may be employed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the subject invention, reference may behad to embodiments shown in the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a thermostatof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation section view taken at line 2-2 from FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the thermostat of FIG. 1 with the upperhousing removed;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bottom of the upper housing of thethermostat of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper housing depicted inFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the present invention;

FIGS. 7-18 are diagrammatic views of the display screen of embodimentsof the present invention illustrating examples of operation of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of the present invention is depicted with respect to thefollowing FIGS. 1-18, and in particular the physical construction of theinvention is described with respect to FIGS. 1-5 as follows. Athermostat 10 or controller includes a display screen 12 and a printedcircuit board 15 mounted within a housing. A rocker switch (mechanicalbutton) 20 is formed of a longitudinal bar 21 having a first end 22 anda second end 23. The thermostat 10 includes a front face 17. The rockerswitch 20 is mounted so that the switch button is exposed in the frontface 17 and may be easily operated by a user. As shown in FIG. 1, thethermostat 10 is oriented so that the first end 22 of the rocker switch20 is oriented at the upper portion of the thermostat 10 and the secondend 23 of the rocker switch 20 is located toward the lower portion ofthe thermostat. In this orientation, the rocker switch 20 may providefor the first end 22 to act as the “up incrementation or adjustment of aset point and the second end 23 indicates “down” decrementation oradjustment of a set point. As will be discussed in more detail below,the rocker switch 20 may also adjust modes of the thermostat 10 byrocking the switch to the “up” position by depressing the first end 22or “down” position by depressing the second end 23.

Turning to FIGS. 2 and 3 a more detailed description of the rockerswitch and its assembly to the thermostat 10 will be discussed. Therocker switch 20 includes a first actuator 24 and second actuator 25disposed at each end of the bar 21. A pivot member 26 extends downwardfrom the bar 20. The pivot member 26 is disposed at a mid-point betweenthe first and second actuators 24, 25. The pivot member 26 terminates ata pivot point 28 which abuts against the printed circuit board 15. Aretention boss 27 is provided at the top of the pivot member 26 and willbe discussed in more detail below.

An upper housing 31 is provided which encloses the display screen 12 andprovides a covering over the printed circuit board 15 and othercomponents thereon. The upper housing 31 provides an aperture pocket 35within which the rocker switch 20 is mounted. The bar 21 includes atouch surface 36 extending between the first and second end 22, 23 ofthe rocker switch 20, so that a user may slide her finger, withoutinterruption, along the touch surface 36 to rock the switch 20 between afirst position with the first end 22 depressed and a second positionwith second end 23 depressed. Having the touch surface 36 completelyexposed at the front face 17 within the aperture 35 allows for fast andeasy operation of the rocker switch 20. In an embodiment, the pocket 35is formed of a pocket wall having an oval shape and a single apertureopening toward the printed circuit board 15. The bottom of the rockerswitch 20 include the first and second actuators 24, 25 and pivot member26 that each extend through the pocket wall aperture 35.

The circuit board 15 is mounted in an upper housing 31 (FIG. 2). Mountedon the printed circuit board 15 are a first receptor 44 and a secondreceptor 46. Other components mounted to the printed circuit board 15include a microprocessor 48, relays, connectors, switches andthermistor(s). A receptor 49 having a button for a re-set function isalso mounted on the printed circuit board 15. The receptors 44, 46, 49may include components such as switches. In alternate embodiment, ashorting finger may be provided on the printed circuit board 15 to beactivated by the rocker switch 20. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 it may heunderstood that depressing on the first end 22 of the rocker switch 20causes the bar 21 to rotate, so that the first actuator 24 moves in adownward direction towards the first receptor 44 and the terminalportion of the first actuator 24 activates the receptor 44 and closesthe switch. As will be discussed further below, in some cases thisactuation this will cause a set point of a thermostat mode of operationto increment.

Alternatively, when the rocker switch 20 is rocked the other way bydepressing the second end 23 downward, the second actuator 25 will bemoved downward toward the second receptor 46 and the terminal portion ofthe second actuator 25 will depress the trigger of the second receptor46 and close the switch. As will be discussed in further detail below incertain embodiments, such actuation will cause a decrement of a setpoint of the mode operation.

The rocking of the rocker switch 20 can be understood in more detail inrespect to FIG. 5. The retention member 26 includes a retention boss 27extending there from. The boss 27 is received in a retention slot 38, 39on both sides of the pivot member 26. In an embodiment, the retentionslot 38, 39 has a much larger diameter than the diameter of the boss 27,so that there is a loose lit when the boss 27 is mounted within the slot38, 39. In an embodiment, since the first and second actuators 24, 25are already resting on the receptors 44, 46, respectively only a slightrocking of the rocker switch 20 is necessary in order to close theswitch of the first or second receptors 44, 46. For example, in anembodiment, a movement of the first actuator 24 of 0.010 inches willactuate the first receptor 44. The rocking motion of the rocker switch20 to allow for the movement of the first actuator by 0.010 inches canbe accommodated by the looseness of the slot 38, 39 maintaining the boss27. When the rocker switch 20 is rocked by the depressing of the firstor second end 22, 23, the pivot member 26 pivots upon the pivot point 28and the boss 27 moves in the slot 38. The pivot member 26 includesstiffener ribs 33, 34.

The slot 38 also functions to hold the rocker switch 20 against theupper housing 31 in order to maintain the button 20 in position when theupper housing 31 is assembled to the lower housing 42. In an embodiment,the rocker switch 20 is mounted in the pocket 35, an that the boss 27 isreceived in the slot 38 of the pocket wall 35. The upper housing 31,including the rocker switch 20, is then mounted onto the lower housing42. The upper housing 31 may be attached to the lower housing 42 in anymanner such as the snap-fit of tabs or via fasteners, such as screws.Prior to assembly of the upper housing 31, the printed circuit board andits components and the display screen 12 are mounted within the lowerhousing 42. In this manner, the boss 38 can retain the rocker switch 20in place within the pocket 35 and allow for the pivoting rocking motionnecessary for the actuation of the first and second receptors 44, 46. Inan embodiment, the display screen 12 may be a liquid crystal display(LCD) having a segmented format. Alternate embodiments may include dotmatrix LCD displays or LED display screens.

The rocking of the rocker switch 20, either by depressing the first end22 or the second end 23 cause the receptors 44, 46 to open and close inorder to operate the thermostat 10. The rocker switch 20 may be operatedby for example, by single linger strokes where each depression of thefirst end 22 will cause for example, a single increment to a set pointvalue (e.g. increase in a temperature setting). Likewise, each singlefinger stroke or depression at the second end 23 will cause a singledecrement of a set point. As well, the rocker switch 20 may beprogrammed to allow for sequential increments or decrements when thishard button 20 is held down for more than one second. For example, if auser's finger depresses the first end 22 downward for more than onesecond, in an embodiment it will increment at a rate of four times persecond while the first actuator 24 maintains its depression of the firstreceptor 44. Likewise. if a user's finger depresses the second end 23 ofthe rocker switch 20 for more than one second it will depress thereceptor 46 continuously and will cause a decrement at the rate of fourtimes per second (e.g. decrease a temperature setting in a sequential,automated manner).

As depicted in the FIG. 1-3, the bar 21 of the rocker switch 20 has aconcavity which provides for the first end 22 and second end 23 to theelevated above the face 17 of the upper housing 31. Having such a shapeof the bar 21 that forms the rocker switch 20, the user can easilylocate his or her finger at the upper or lower end 22, 23 of the bar 21.However, it may be understood that any shaped bar 21 or rocker switch 20may be provided by the present invention, such as a straight, flat bar,circular shaped button, square shaped or other shaped buttons which areknown to those of skill in the art. The importance of the presentinvention is that a hard button is provided that allows for a user tospeedily make adjustments of functions and values displayed on thedisplay screen 12.

Turning to FIG. 6, an overview of the electronic circuitry andcomponents of the thermostat 10 of the present invention will hedescribed. Switch 1 is provided, such as the first receptor 44, whichmay be opened and closed in order to signal the microprocessor 48. Aswell a Switch 2, such as the second receptor 46, is provided which maybe opened or closed to signal the microprocessor 48. The microprocessorcontrols the IIVAC system 200 attached to the thermostat 10 and also isconnected to the display 12, which allows for user input to adjust thesystem. For example, in a typical HVAC system 200, the thermostat 10would he used to adjust the heating or cooling of the system in order toprovide a comfortable environment for the occupants. The microprocessor48 includes ROM which may have software loaded into it, in order tocontrol the thermostat 10 and to provide for the display screenfunctionality. The display screen 12 includes displayable touch pads. Aswill be discussed in greater detail below, the combination of theactuation of Switch 1 and Switch 2 (via the rocker switch 20) and thetouch pads on the display screen 12 allow the microprocessor 48 tomonitor and control the air handler HVAC system 200 or any other systemto which the thermostat 10 is connected.

Turning to FIGS. 7-18, the operation of the thermostat will be describedin further detail. FIG. 7 depicts the thermostat 10 including thedisplay screen 12 having multiple icons displayed thereon. The displayincludes numeric icons 110, alpha-numeric icons 120 and graphical icon140. Also included on the display, are touch pad icons 150 a, 150 b. Inthe embodiment displayed in FIG. 7, the numeric icon “70” 110 is anindication of the current room temperature and is indicated as such bythe “ROOM” icon. As well, an alpha-numeric icon 120 is indicating thatthe HVAC cooling system is running as indicated by the “COOL ON” icon.Other numeric icons 110 are displayed including “70” which is displayedbelow the alpha-numeric icon “SET AT”: so “70” is the set point at whichthe thermostat is set to trigger the HVAC system. Numeric icon “12:00”indicates a set point at which the temperature should he at 70 degrees.According to the alpha-numeric icon “TU MORN” indicating that on Tuesdaymornings at 12:00 p.m., the set point should be 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

The graphical icon 140 in this embodiment is a representative pictorialof a fan blade and indicates that the fan mode is on and running. Othertypes of graphical icons may be provided on the display 12.

Other alpha-numeric icons 120 are included within touch pad areas 150 a,150 b. For example, as depicted on the display 12 in the embodiment ofFIG. 7, the touch pad areas 150 a, 150 b that are provided anddesignated with alpha-numeric icons 120 are “CLEAN” “CONFIG” “HUMIDITY”“OUTDOOR” “SYSTEM” “FAN” “PROD” (PROGRAM) “HOLD” “DAY/TIME”. In theembodiment depicted in FIG. 7, the touch pad areas 150 a, 150 h aredesignated by rectangular outlines provided the display screen 12. In analternate embodiment, the display screen 12 may have no touch pads andmay function solely to display alpha-numeric 120, graphical 140 andnumeric icons 110. In such an alternate embodiment the housing mayinclude the rocker switch 20 and other mechanical buttons to operate thethermostat. For example, a first mechanical button for the menu functionand a second mechanical button for the program function may be providedadjacent the rocker switch 20.

Coincident with the touch pad areas 150 a, 150 b displayed on thedisplay screen 12 are sensing areas provided by a sensing membrane abovethe display screen 12. For example, in the display for the touch padareas on the right side of the display screen 12 (including “CLEAN”“CONFIG” “HUMIDITY” “OUTDOOR” forming a row of four icon touch pad areas150 a, 150 b). a single long touch activation area on the touch membraneabove the screen layer 12 will be provided. Likewise, on the tell sideof the display screen 12, an “L” shape touch sensitive area on themembrane below the touch screen layer 12 will be provided over the touchpad areas 150 a, 150 b on the display screen 12 (coinciding with the“SYSTEM” “FAN” “PROG” “HOLD” AND “DAY/TIME” icons). Thus in theembodiment described above, it may be understood that there is no touchsensing capabilities in the center of the display screen 12, where thenumeric icons 110 for the current room temperature set point, or timeset point are displayed. In the embodiment, depicted in FIG. 7 thealpha-numeric icons 120 provided in each of the touch pad areas 150 a,150 b are modes of operation for the thermostat 10. Generally speaking,the-modes of operation may be activated by touching the display screen12 associated with the particular mode, as identified by thealpha-numeric icons 120. For example, the action of the user's fingerapplied to the display screen 12 at the area identified by thealpha-numeric icon “CLEAN” 120 bounded by the rectangle indicating thetouch pad area 150 a will activate the “CLEAN” mode and allow forsetting of the filter cleaning mode or reminder.

In an embodiment, the touch sense regions of the touch sensitivemembrane below the touch pad 150 b for “SYSTEM” and “FAN” will not betouch reactive. For example, when the “SYSTEM” touch pad 150 b ispressed, the “AUTO” alpha-numeric icon will be highlighted or made boldto indicate that the automatic feature of the system has been activated.Likewise, when the “SYSTEM” touch region 150 b is pressed a second timeby a user's finger, the alpha-numeric icon 120 “COOL” will he displayedas being activated. Such activation may be indicated by making the“COOL” alpha-numeric icons 120 bold. However, in this embodiment,neither the “AUTO” or “COOL” area of the display screen 12 is touchsensitive. Similarly, the area where the “AUTO” alpha-numeric icon 120is displayed below the “FAN” touch pad area 150 b is not touchsensitive.

The initial setting of the thermostat 10 involves configuration ofinstaller settings in the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 7. The installersettings are selected by pressing the “SYSTEM” button 152 and “CONFIG”button simultaneously. By holding down the buttons 152, 154simultaneously for three seconds the installer settings mode will beactivated. It is noted that the term “BUTTON” refers to the combinationof the alpha-numeric icon (for example, “SYSTEM”) and the touch pad area150 designated by the rectangular outline of the pad. “Soft” buttonrefers to those buttons located on the touch screen display 12 and“HARD” button refers to a button separate from the touch screen display(i.e. the rocker switch 20).

Once the installer setting mode has been selected by holding downbuttons 152, 154, the display screen 12 will advance to the installersetting mode, as depicted in FIG. 8. The display on the display screen12 is adjusted so that an alpha-numeric icon 121 is displayed, whichrepresents a residential mode (“RES”) and includes the alpha-numericicon 122 “SET”. The display of the alpha-numeric icons 121, 122 indicatethat the user can set a residential mode. The alternate mode to heselected would be a commercial mode. The rocker switch 20 is used inorder to select the residential or commercial mode by scrolling throughthe available options. In an embodiment, the thermostat 10 may providefor factory default settings. For example, in an embodiment, theresidential (“RES”) installer setting mode may be the default factorysetting. In a case where the installer desires for the residential modeto be selected as an installer setting when the “RES” alphanumeric iconis displayed on the screen, the user can select the “NEXT” button 153 inorder to advance to the subsequent mode to be selected. The displayscreen in the residential/commercial mode also displays a “BACK”alpha-numeric icon and button 154 and a “RETURN” alpha-numeric button155. When the user is finished with the display screen, they may thenchoose the “BACK” button 154 in order to go back to the previous screenor they may select the “RETURN” button 155 in order to return to theprevious selected mode display. In the case, where the user has selectedthe “NEXT” button 153, the thermostat will display on the display screen12 the display of FIG. 9.

The display of FIG. 9 depicts the programming mode for the installersettings and the alpha-numeric icon “PROG” 123 is displayed to indicatethe programming mode may be “SET”, as indicated by the alpha-numericicon “SET” 122. Multiple options to be programmed are available and aredesignated with respect to the alpha-numeric icon “7” 125. The icon “SETAT” 124 indicates that the programming mode may be set at option number“7”. In this embodiment, the factory default setting is “7”. When thedisplay screen is initially displayed, after advancing from the previousmode (i.e. the residential or commercial selection mode) the “7” 125icon is automatically displayed on the display screen 12. The user mayselect other available options by depressing the first end or second end22, 23 of the rocker switch 20. The icon 125 will be adjusted based onthe selection made by the rocker switch 20.

Based on the sequence of events as discussed with respect to FIGS. 7-9,it may be understood that during the first mode of operation withrespect to determining a residential or commercial mode as identified byalpha-numeric icon 121, the rocker switch 20 is actuated by pressing onthe first end or second end 22, 23 in order to make a selection withrespect to a first residential or commercial mode. Thereafter followingdepression of the “NEXT” button 153, a second mode of operation (“i.e.,the programming mode) as designated by alpha-numeric icon 123 isdisplayed and adjusted via the actuation of the first end or second end22, 23 of the rocker switch 20 in order to adjust the programming optionwith respect to alpha-numeric icon 125 displayed on the display screen12. This interaction between the touch pads 150 a, 150 b and the rockerswitch 20 allows for easy progression through the functionality providedby the thermostat 10 and allows for rapid selection of modes andsettings by using the “UP” and “DOWN” actuation of the first end andsecond end 22, 23 of the rocker switch 20.

With respect to FIG. 9, once the user has completed the selections withrespect to the programming mode. the activation of the “NEXT” button 153will provide a new display as shown in FIG. 10 that allows for a coolingset point lower limit to be set. This additional installer settingscreen depicted on FIG. 10 is alpha-numeric icon 126 indicating thelimit (“LIM”) for the set point. The icon 124, 126 indicates the lowerlimit of the cooling functionality of the thermostat 10. Alpha-numericicon “SET AT” 124 indicates that the limit may be set at the valuedisplayed with respect to numeric icon 125 (i.e., “45”). The displayindicates that this is a cooling limit with respect to alpha-numericicon 127 “COOL”. The numeric icon 125 allows for the setting of atemperature. In an embodiment, the temperature range provided may be 45°F.-90° F. This will be the installer setting lower limit for cooling foroperation of the thermostat 10.

The set point value for the lower limit is adjusted by actuation of therocker switch 20. By depressing the first end 22 of the rocker switch20, the numeric icon 125 is incremented upwards towards an upper limitsuch as 90°. The user may depress the first end 22 serially, degree bydegree, in order to move to the desired temperature setting or maydepress the first end and hold down the bar in order so that the numericicon 125 will automatically scroll and increment upward through thetemperature range, for example from 45° F.-90° F. In an embodiment, thefactory default will be 45° F. and when the initial display appears asshown in FIG. 10. the numeric icon 125 will be “45”. Thus, any changemade initially by a user will be to increment by depressing the firstend 22 of the rocker switch 20. However, should the user go past thetemperature setting desired, she may then decrement the numeric icon 125by pressing the second end 23 of the rocker switch 20 in order to lowerthe desired temperature setting. Thus, it is understood that the coolinglower limit mode was selected by actuation of the “NEXT” touch pad 153in FIG. 9 and, upon display of the lower limit icon 126 as depicted inFIG. 10, the set point was adjusted by actuation of the rocker switch 20by depressing the first or second ends 22, 23.

Once the set point lower limit for cooling is set, the user may advanceto the next mode selection by activating the “NEXT” button 153 whichwill reset the display screen 12 (as shown in FIG. 11) for setting theupper limit for the heating mode. The display screen 12 identifies thatit is the installer setting for the upper limit for the heating mode.The display screen 12 displays alpha-numeric icon 128 “HEAT” and thealpha-numeric icon 126 “LIM” for the limit. As discussed with respect tothe cooling lower limit mode (described with respect to FIG. 10), thedisplay of FIG. 11 also includes the “SET” icon 122, the “SET AT” icon124 and the numeric icon 125. In an embodiment, the factory defaultsetting for the heat set point upper limit is 90° F. The display isinitially displayed with the “90” numeric icon and may be adjusted viathe rocker switch 20. as discussed above. Although not depicted, furtheradditional modes of the thermostat may he provided such as a compressorbalance point and auxiliary heat balance point, according to the samesequence of operations as discussed for the previous modes.

A service filter monitor mode is depicted in FIG. 12 and is identifiedwith respect to icon 129 “SERVICE FILTER”. The alpha-numeric icon 130indicates the option available for the service filter monitor. Thedefault setting in an embodiment is “OFF” indicating that no monitoringof the service filter will be undertaken. Other options may be availablesuch as 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 or 365 days in order to monitor the servicefilter. These options may be selected via the rocker switch 20. Asdiscussed previously, by depressing the first end 22 of the rockerswitch 20, the alpha-numeric icon 130 will be incremented to scrollthrough the range of options described above. Selection of lower numbersof days or to return the “OFF” selection the user may depress the secondend 23 of the rocker switch 20 to cause decrementation of thealpha-numeric icon 130. Once the setting is completed, the user mayactivate the “NEXT” button 153 or return to the previous screen byactivating “BACK” button 154.

Setting the time, day and temperature user settings will now bediscussed with respect to FIGS. 13-18. FIG. 13 depicts an embodimentwhere the display screen 12 has a standard configuration of touch padbuttons 150 a, 150 b, alpha-numeric icons 120, numeric icons 110 andgraphical icons 140. In order to set the time and day, the user selectsthe “DAY/TIME” button, touch pad 131. Activation of the “DAY/TIME”button 131 will advance the display to the day/time setting mode asdepicted in FIG. 14. The numeric icon 132 appears which represents thetime to be adjusted (“10:17”). The icon also includes alpha-numeric icon133 representing the day of the week (e.g.. “TV” for Tuesday),alpha-numeric icon 134 representing either “AM” or “PM” and the “SET”icon 122. The first time setting mode is to set the hour of the daywhich is indicated in FIG. 14 on the display screen 12 by the numeric“10” flashing and the “AM” alpha-numeric icon 134 flashing. In analternate embodiment an icon may be modified to indicate that it isbeing adjusted (e.g. decrement, increment) by a halo icon surroundingthe particular icon that is to be adjusted by the user, or othermodifications of the alpha-numeric icon, such as using bold, differentfont type, or placing other graphics around or adjacent the numericicon.

The display screen 12 having the flashing “10” “AM” indicates to theuser that she may adjust the hour icon 120 by using the rocker switch20. As discussed before the rocker switch 20 may increment or decrementthe value in order to change the hour. It is understood that as the houris incremented or decremented the alpha-numeric icon 134 will change to“PM” when the end of the 12 hour cycle has been reached. Once thedesired set point is reached liar the hour mode, the user depresses the“DAY/TIME” touch pad 131 in order to advance to the next mode, which isthe minute setting mode, as shown in FIG. 15. Should the user want todiscontinue the process, she may activate the “RETURN” touch pad 136 togo back to the previous mode display.

Turning to FIG. 15, the minute setting mode is adjustable, which isevident by the flashing of the minutes (i.e. “17”). The set point forthe minutes numeric icon 132 may be adjusted by using the rocker switch20, in order to increment or decrement the numeric value. The user canclearly see that the minutes numeric icon 130 is being adjusted due tothe flashing of the minutes value and due to the disappearance of thehour flashing (as shown in FIG. 14). Once the desired minute set pointhas been set by the user's actuation of the rocker switch 20, the “NEXT”mode may be reached by activating the “DAY/TIME” touch pad 131.

FIG. 16 shows the standard display for an embodiment of the thermostat10 of the present invention. As the display shown in FIG. 16 indicates,there are numerous modes available for a user to select via thealpha-numeric icons 120. For example, the user may program thethermostat 10 by activating the “PROG” button 138. When programming isselected by depressing the “PROG” button 138, the display screen 12 isreset as shown in FIG. 17. The first programming setting mode providesfor input of a schedule for the time and temperature adjustments to bemade each day.

First, the time is set, as discussed before with respect to FIGS. 14-15.However, the programming mode also provides for a day of the weekalpha-numeric icon 141 and time period icon 142. The day of the weekicon 141 displays each of the seven days of the week and allows for theuser to either select a time and temperature that is the same for eachof those seven days of the week, or select settings for individual days.The time period icon 142 either morning (i.e. “MORN”), DAY, evening(“EVE”), or NIGHT will allow for the setting of the time and temperatureduring those time periods. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 17, thetime numeric icon 132 has “6” and “AM” flashing. The flashing indicatesthat the set point may be adjusted by the rocker switch 20. As discussedabove, advancement to the minute setting mode may be accomplished bydepressing the “DAY/TIME” touch pad 131 in order to display the flashingicon as the minute portion numeric icon 132 (i.e. “00”). Once the timeset point is finalized by use of the rocker switch 20 incrementing ordecrementing the numeric value, the “DAY/TIME” touch pad 131 may beactivated in order to adjust the temperature as depicted in FIG. 18.

As a result of the activation of the touch pad 131, the display is resetso the flashing numeric icon 145 representing the temperature inFahrenheit. The “SET AT” alpha-numeric icon 146 in FIG. 18 indicatesthat the thermostat 10 is being set at 75 degrees at 6 am and the usermay-adjust that numeric icon 145 via the rocker switch 20. In this waynumeric-icon 145 is interdependent with numeric icon 132, since thetemperature and time settings are paired together by the microprocessorto control the air handler. Once the desired set point for thetemperature is adjusted, using the decrement or increment function ofthe rocker switch 20 (as will be indicated by the numeric icon 145) theuser may complete the setting and save the selected values by depressingthe program (“PROG”) touch pad 138.

Thus, it may be understood that during at least a first or second modeof operation, such as the selection of the programming the timeprogramming mode; the rocker switch 20 may be depressed to a firstposition where the first end 23 is depressed in order to actuate thereceptor 44 on the printed circuit board 15 (FIG. 2) which will signalthe microprocessor 48 to adjust the set point (i.e. numeric) icon 132for a first mode of operation. Then in a second mode of operation (asselected by activating the “PROGRAM” touch pad 138) the rocker switch 20may be activated to a first or second position by depressing either thefirst or second end 22, 23, respectively; such as the temperature icon145. In this way, it is understood that the single rocker switch 20 mayprovide for adjustment of set points for multiple modes of operation.

Also, as discussed above, the rocker switch 20 may allow for adjustmentfor modes of operation as well. Thus, it may be understood that thefirst mode of operation that may be adjusted by the rocker switch 20 orthe touch pad areas 150 a, 150 b of the display screen 12 may includetemperature settings, time of day settings, day of week setting,programming set points for time, installer setting configurations oruser settings. Each of these may also be considered second or thirdmodes of operations that may be adjusted either by the rocker switch 20or by the touch pad areas 150 a, 150 b buttons on the display screen 12.Some of the particular modes may include programming. configuration,system, fan, holding, day, time, clean, humidity, outdoor, installer oruser modes that may adjust either by the rocker switch 20 or the touchpad areas 150 a, 150 b on the display screen 12 or a combination ofboth. Other modes of operation include residential, commercial,programming, system type, set point lower limit, set point upper limit,humidity value, compressor balance point, auxiliary heat balance pointor service filter monitor modes that be adjusted or selected by therocker switch 20 or the touch pad areas 150 a, 150 b of the displayscreen 12 or a combination of both.

While various concepts have been described in detail, it would beappreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications andalternatives to those concepts could be developed in light of theoverall teachings of the disclosure. Therefore, a person skilled in theart, applying ordinary skill, will be able to practice the invention setforth in the claims without undue experimentation. It will additionallybe appreciated that the particular concepts exposed herein are meant tohe illustrative only and not limiting to the scope of the invention,which is to be given the full breath of the appended claims and anyequivalents thereof.

1. A thermostat including a microprocessor for controlling an HVACsystem using multiple modes of operation, the thermostat comprising: ahousing having a circuit board and a display screen; the display screenhaving a first and second alpha-numeric icon; a rocker switch mounted inthe housing adjacent the display screen, the rocker switch providing thesole mechanical button of the thermostat, the rocker switch forsignaling the microprocessor so that the combination of inputs receivedby the microprocessor from the group of touch sensitive areas and thesole mechanical button provide for each adjustment required for thestandard operational functions of the thermostat; the rocker switchconfigured to adjust the first alpha-numeric icon in relation to a firstmode of operation and the rocker switch configured to adjust the secondalpha-numeric icon in relation to a second mode of operation; and anavigation button for navigating between a first and second function. 2.The thermostat of claim 1 wherein the navigation button comprises one ofa touch sensitive BACK button, a touch sensitive NEXT button and a touchsensitive RETURN button.
 3. The thermostat of claim 1 wherein thestandard operational functions comprise one of a mode for adjusting thetemperature setting, time of day setting, day of week setting,programming set point time, installer setting configuration or usersetting and the second function one of a mode of adjusting thetemperature setting, time of day setting, day of week setting,programming set point time, installer setting configuration or usersetting.
 4. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein the display screenincludes the at least one alpha-numeric icon for the navigation buttonthat provides for navigation to one of a programming, configuration,system, fan, hold, day, time, clean, humidity, outdoor, installer oruser modes.
 5. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein the rocker switchadjusts one of a time, day, temperature, fan or humidity value afterselection of the mode via the navigation button.
 6. The thermostat ofclaim 1, wherein the navigation button function is operated by therocker switch.
 7. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein rocking the rockerswitch to a first position increments or decrements a set point of thefirst mode of operation after selection of the mode of operation via thenavigation button.
 8. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein the displayscreen includes a touch sensitive area separate from the navigationbutton for selecting the first mode of operation and the second mode ofoperation and the rocker switch for adjusting set points for the modesselected by the touch sensitive area.
 9. The thermostat of claim 1,wherein the rocker switch is depressed to adjust a set point to a firstvalue for the first mode of operation, a first icon on the display isadjusted to reflect the first value; and the navigation button beingactivated to select the second mode of operation, wherein the rockerswitch is depressed to adjust a set point to a second value for thesecond mode of operation and a second icon on the display is adjusted toreflect the second value.
 10. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein thedisplay screen is one of an LCD segmented screen, dot matrix or LEDscreen.
 11. The thermostat of claim 1 wherein the standard operationalfunctions of the thermostat exclude a mechanical reset button and amechanical clear button.
 12. The thermostat of claim 1 wherein thestandard operational functions of the thermostat exclude mechanicalbuttons intended for use by a technician or by an end user during anemergency condition.
 13. A controller for an HVAC system comprising: ahousing having a circuit board and a display screen, the display screenhaving at least one alpha-numeric icon and a group of touch sensitiveareas comprising at least two displayable touch sensitive areasincluding a navigation button; a microprocessor for controlling thedisplay screen; a sole mechanical button mounted in the housing and thebutton having a first end and second end and a surface extending betweenthe first end and second end; and the sole mechanical button forsignaling the microprocessor in order to adjust the alpha-numeric icon,so that the combination of inputs received by the microprocessor fromthe group of touch sensitive areas and sole mechanical button providefor every adjustment required for all of the standard operationalfunctions of the controller.
 14. The controller of claim 11, wherein thenavigation button is a single use, constant function button.
 15. Thecontroller of claim 11, wherein the navigation button comprises one of aBACK button, a NEXT button and a RETURN button.
 16. The thermostat ofclaim 13 wherein the standard operational functions of the thermostatexclude a mechanical reset button and a mechanical clear button.
 17. Thethermostat of claim 13 wherein the standard operational functions of thethermostat exclude mechanical buttons intended for use by a technicianor by an end user during an emergency condition.
 18. A thermostatincluding a microprocessor for controlling an HVAC system using multiplemodes of operation, the thermostat comprising: a housing having acircuit board and a display screen; the display screen having a firstand second alpha-numeric icon; a rocker switch mounted in the housingadjacent the display screen, the rocker switch having a bar having afirst end and a second end, and the bar is pivotally mounted so that thebar may rock between a first position where the first end is depressedand a second position where the second end is depressed in order toactivate at least a first and a second mode of operation of thethermostat; the display screen includes a first touch pad for selectingthe first mode operation, wherein the bar is depressed to adjust a setpoint to a first value for the first mode of operation and a first iconon the display is adjusted to reflect the first value; and a secondtouch pad provided by the display screen and at least one of the firsttouch pad or the second touch pad is activated to select the second modeof operation, wherein the bar is depressed to adjust a set point to asecond value for the second mode of operation and a second icon on thedisplay is adjusted to reflect the second value.
 19. The thermostat ofclaim 14, wherein the first and second touch pads are activatedsimultaneously in order to select the first mode of operation.
 20. Thethermostat of claim 14, wherein the first touch pad allows for selectionof both the first and second mode of operation.
 21. The thermostat ofclaim 14, wherein multiple icons are displayed on the display screensimultaneously, and upon activation of the touch pad, the first icon ismodified to indicate it is the icon being adjusted, while the othericons remain unchanged.
 22. The thermostat of claim 17, wherein themodification includes flashing the display of the first icon.
 23. Thethermostat of claim 18, wherein following the flashing of the displayand depression of the bar; the flashing is deactivated and the firsticon is adjusted to reflect the first value.
 24. The thermostat of claim14, wherein by continuously depressing the bar, the icon willsequentially decrement or increment until the bar is released.
 25. Thethermostat of claim 1 wherein the standard operational functions of thethermostat exclude a mechanical reset button and a mechanical clearbutton.
 26. The thermostat of claim 1 wherein the standard operationalfunctions of the thermostat exclude mechanical buttons intended for useby a technician or by an end user during an emergency condition.